Our dog, a toy terrier, was looking after me when I was a baby, while my mom was busy. When I’d start crying, the dog would call my mom. Also, she took offense to things when she felt slighted: she would sit and face the wall, and wouldn’t react when she was called. She would then decide for herself when to stop being offended. Danita Kimberg / Facebook

My sister has a cocker spaniel named Max. If you know this breed, you know they are ready to do anything for a treat. At first, he just sits down when you’re eating and looks at you with his sad eyes. When that doesn’t work, he takes something inedible, comes up to us, and hints that he’ll eat it and feel bad. So, then you have to give him something in return.